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1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
In religious healing by the natural route, the placebo effect could account for some and perhaps all of the healing observed. Faith and prayer may produce positive expectancies, and religious ritual may be a powerful source of psychological conditioning. So long as one believes that the human mind is part of the natural world, molded by the same creator who is responsible for any other healing modality, it seems logical that one would seek to harness the powers of the mind as part of whatever healing occurs. On this understanding the placebo effect becomes simply one means by which faith can heal
Since, in many places, the institutionalization of religious life preceded that of education, religious institutions contributed to the development of educational systems. In the West, the church spawned the early schools. In Thailand I understand that education was carried out in Buddhist monasteries
Even prior to the advent of recorded history, scientists have been able to discern the use of death rituals and sacred funerary practices dating as far back as the Paleolithic Era. Using the archaeological record of artifacts found at ancient burial sites, it is clear that Neanderthals and similar groups carefully arranged the position and appearance of dead bodies, often bedecking the burial site with both utilitarian and decorative items, including beads, preserved foods, weaponry, and other related supplies for daily living.
The fact that religion develops a system of conduct to be followed by its members through its beliefs, traditions, writings and religious laws shows that it indeed it influences the conduct of society. As result, it influences that conduct of individual members in society be cause they draw thier valuefrom the society’s standards. This is exemplified by states that are religious or partly religious. These states write their laws and constitutions based on the religious belief of the religious institution regarded as the national faith. This paper highlights how religiosty influences morality of individuals in society and intends to determine the extent of influence./ex]
[url=http://academicwritingtips.org/component/k2/item/1069-effects-of-religion-on-individuals%E2%80%99-morality.html?tmpl=component&print=1]source[/ur l]
Morality is influenced by societal norms and edicts. These norms and edicts are to a great extent established and shaped on the basis of religoius beliefs and traditions. This happens because religions hold an important place in society that is highly valued in terms of ethics. Individuals in society, shape their character and act according to societal regulations, laws and norms. As a result, the conduct of individuals can be termed as the sum total of societal norms and edicts. These norms and edicts are in turn determined by society under the influence of religion. Therefore, conclusively; the morality of an individual is the product of religious influence. This influence is exerted through the laws and regulations of a society.
without the moral guide provided by religion, society would turn to chaos..
Thank you and I would like to turn the floor over to Curiousrb.
World wide Religious groups in many areas, have provided hospitals and medical care for the area
Fred Phelps, leader of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas, took his church's "God Hates F**s" message to the funeral of Matthew Shepard, held in Casper, Wyoming, on Saturday, October 17, 1998. Two of his picket signs read: "No Tears for Queers" and "F*g Matt in Hell."
Religion may act as a placebo affect in sickness or depressing times, however, there are many other options that have been proven to work in such a manner. Sugar pills are a ''famous'' example of the placebo affect, however even the placebo affect in medicine is thought of as dangerous practice. The results of a placebo like prescription including religious rituals can be considered unpredictable, unreliable and the effects are not universal. The conditions depend on the frame of mind people are in and the condition of their sickness, illness or disorder.
While you're a correct in this, there are also many more churches and religious groups that form to exploit for their own gain. Noting many classic, charity scams.
He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone
Bible
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
We found little evidence in general that placebos had powerful clinical effects. Although placebos had no significant effects on objective or binary outcomes, they had possible small benefits in studies with continuous subjective outcomes and for the treatment of pain. Outside the setting of clinical trials, there is no justification for the use of placebos.
man would be at fault in this case, not religion..these are mere con men correct?
Again I say, they (Westboro church) are not true followers of the religion they claim to follow, they are operating outside the law they have for themselves, thus not religious..
The Quran in Sura 2:228 says: Wives have the same rights as the husbands have on them in accordance with the generally known principles. Of course, men are a degree above them in status
The Quran in Sura 4:11 says: The share of the male shall be twice that of a female
If you fear highhandedness from your wives, remind them [of the teaching of God], then ignore them when you go to bed, then hit them. If they obey you, you have no right to act against them. God is most high and great
If nothing else, spiritual healing serves to offer hope to many people who otherwise might have nothing to hold on to. Does it work? Maybe. And if so, is it only really a placebo effect? Maybe. But to the ill, it represents another option in a world in which options are sometimes limited.
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It should be noted that over half of the medical schools in the United States now offer at least one course on spiritual healing and alternative medicines.
You are right that it makes you feel better, but many things can make you feel better that wont contribute to being cured of a disease
Religion may act as a placebo affect in sickness or depressing times
Sodomy is forbidden in the christian religion and they are trying to promote that rule. As much as you and i disagree, they may be highly disrespectful, but because of religion, they are led to believe it IS the right thing to do. Only because the christian religion has clouded their ability to be reasonable and adapt to a modern world.
the christian faith is important to recognize as it plays a big role in the western world and is the largest religion in the world. Being one of the most recognized religions, where people suffer greatly because of it. This just shows, how such a flawed religion can rise to be so large.
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It’s easy to point out the problems that religion causes in this modern age (violence, intolerance, willful ignorance). Obviously, because religion has been around so long, it must have been beneficial to some degree in the past, otherwise religion as a whole would have gone “extinct” due to competition from non-religious societies
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Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.---Albert Einstein
Religion may act as a placebo affect in sickness or depressing times
You are right that it makes you feel better, but many things can make you feel better that wont contribute to being cured of a disease
In your first post, you mention the bible, and point out several things regarding the christian faith, in your second post you again bring up the christian religion
If a person of lower caste adopts the occupation of a higher caste, the king ought to deprive him of all his property and expel him from his kingdom. (Manusmriti, X: 96)
Women should never be allowed by their guardians to act independently. (Manusmriti, IX: 2)
The families of non-believers are destroyed sooner than later. (Manusmriti, MS III: 65)
When a woman, proud of her relations [or abilities] deceives her husband (with another man), then the king should [ensure that] she be torn apart by dogs in place much frequented by people. And the evil man should be burnt in a bed of red-hot iron. (Manusmriti, MS VIII: 371/372)
Kill disbelievers wherever you find them. If they attack you, then kill them. Such is the reward of disbelievers. (Quran 2:191)
Unbelievers will be tormented forever with fire. When their skin is burned off, a fresh skin will be provided. (Quran 4:56)
Thanks to both fighters for choosing a classic debate topic and making good points on both sides.
Curiousrb layed out a good strategy- giving examples of religious abuse throughout history. The argument read well from start to finish. Some of the highlights (or lowlights) were scams, persecution, and questionable excerpts.
Okiecowboy's best arguments were lines like this:
"Religion has been the basis for some of the greatest works of art, temples of worship, and buildings and music,
Religion has inspired mankind, to do more, do better, and improve the world around us. "
Some of the exchanges seemed to sidetrack from the larger topic- for example the placebo effect and Westboro baptist. Okiecowboy may have benefited from avoiding such discussion and choosing to focus more and elaborate on how big a part of our culture religious is. If Okie's argument had been more consistently framed around the idea from the last post- the logical conclusion that religion must be playing a beneficial role because it remains popular- then I think his position would have been more convincing. None of our advancements are independent of religion.
But,
In my opinion, Curiousrb wins this debate. I believe Curiousrb's debate was a bit more substantive.
Religious debates are always a good read, merely for the fact that they always diverge into statistics and opinions.
Let's see how this one turns out:
okiecowboy opens strong, citing the health benefits, contributions to society, and the moral advances of society are all due to religious beliefs.
curiousrb counters with a vicious attack on Christianity, citing a few excellent sources supporting his position. He claims religion deters people from thinking rationally.
Tie, for round 1.
okie stays on the offensive, stating that only 16% of the world's population doesn't adhere to a religion, and goes on to show the benefits of religion worldwide, from outstanding architecture to inspirational motivation.
curious stumbles a bit by reminiscing the placebo effect covered earlier, and makes the mistake of agreeing with his opponent that men make con men, but then tries to blame religion. He briefly addresses two other religions, then goes back onto the attack on Christianity. There could have been more balance on his stance.
okiecowboy, for round 2.
okie is consistently offensive once again, and directs attention back to the topic with this quote,and edges ahead with the reminder:
the debate is "religion has had a positive impact", and if people are feeling better due to the religous beliefs they have, I would call that a positive impact.. The best line he used that shows overwhelming support for his position is:
remember this debate was not My God is better than your God or This faith is better than that oneI would have to agree.
Simple logic dictates that if Religion wasn't working for people, it would have died out long ago.
curious finally starts to get his act together, providing some sound statistics for us to peruse, but I fear it was too little, too late. Perhaps a suggestion would be to start with statistics, and refer to them as needed. The last round was his best, with a way better balance than the previous two, talking generally about the conflicts and wars that religion promotes. It's almost as if once the pressure was off, he became settled, and if would've used his final post as his opening post, the debate I'm sure would have been much different, as it would have allowed him to be on the offensive.
okiecowboy for round 3, and the debate.
Congrats to both okiecowboy and curiousrb for an outstanding debate. I thought curiousrb won the first round and was able to effectively counter okiecowboy’s opening statement. Beginning in round two, it seemed like both participants lost site of the topic and spent a lot of time arguing about the effectiveness of the placebo effect. In the closing statement, curiousrb seemed to dial the discussion back on topic and made some good points.
Though his position contradicts my own personal belief on this subject, I believe curiousrb made the more convincing argument in this debate. The winner is curiousrb.